Some 629 children’s footwear companies and brands presented their spring/summer 2008 styles at The WSA Show in Las Vegas, last week, representing a 15% increase from the February WSA Show and reflecting the sustained growth seen in this category in recent years. 

According to the show’s organizers, children’s trends seen at the event included some adult fashion styling such as flats, wedges and platforms, although there has also been a response to parental demand for colour and mixed fabrics, whilst ‘hybrid’ footwear that incorporates rugged styling with fashion was also in evidence.

Commenting on the higher number of exhibitors in the KidzSpace area, chief operating officer of the show, Diane Stone said: “The children’s category is increasingly popular, and we ensure that it is a core component of the show.”

According to consultants at the NPD Group, children’s footwear sales in the USA for the 12-month period ended May 2007 increased 12.3% to $7.2 billion.